Anand hopes for IOC-IOA conflict solution before Olympics

Kolkata: Five-time world champion chess Grand Master Viswanathan Anand on Monday hoped the conflict between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will be sorted out before the 2016 Olympics.

"We still have a couple of years to solve the problem, so I am not too concerned," said Anand, when asked about the IOC deciding to suspend the IOA for not following the IOC charter in conducting its election.

Anand hoped the conflict between the IOC and the IOA will be sorted out before the 2016 Olympics.

"The main thing is to do well at the Olympic Games. We should not lose focus. I hope the situation with the federation is sorted out. Our sportspersons will remain athletes irrespective of whether they take part under the (Indian) flag or not," Anand said on the sidelines of a promotional event here.

Unless the suspension is revoked, Indian sportspersons will not be allowed to participate in the Olympics under the national tri-colour.